Terms of Reference
Mental Health, Well-Being, and Gender in Chin State Research Consultant
Job Title: Mental Health, Well-Being, and Gender in Chin State Research Consultant
Location: Remote (limited travel may be required upon agreement)
Contract Type: Short-Term Consultancy
Duration: September 2024 to May 2025
Start Date: as soon as possible
Application Deadline: Friday, 6 September 2024 by 23:59 Myanmar time. The applications are reviewed on a rolling basis so early application is encouraged.
Organization Overview:
TheHILLS Myanmar is a non-profit organisation that aims to support high quality research, advocacy, and access to education in Chin State and surrounding areas. One of its flagship programmes is the Chin State Academic Research Network (CSARN), an interdisciplinary platform for sharing high-quality research in the area, and which supports and connects researchers working in this field. TheHILLS Myanmar implements a host of activities aimed at building research capacity such as scholarships and fellowships, and aimed at enhancing opportunities for knowledge sharing and access to education in the region (i.e. conferences, training, and mentorship programmes). Additionally, the organisation provides research services to development partners such as developing thematic reports, policy briefs, or regular topic updates, specializing on providing technical input on gender mainstreaming and streamlining Do No Harm principles into programme design and implementation.
Historically CSARN is a project mostly run by volunteers, and paid consultancies are a recent innovation. The rate of pay is not highly competitive particularly for international consultants, and may suit a researcher interested in supplementing their existing funding, or an academic interested in making a difference. Therefore although this is a paid role, we expect interested candidates to apply primarily because they are interested in making an impact on the current situation in Chin State.
Overview of the role
We are seeking an individual consultant or consultant team to conduct a focused Mental Health, Well-Being, and Gender research study in Chin State and surrounding areas.
This research project aims to provide critical insights into the mental health and well-being conditions of communities in Chin State affected by humanitarian concerns with special focus on gender. The ultimate goal is to present a first baseline understanding of the context and then inform targeted interventions and support.
Detailed Responsibilities:
Design and conduct an in-depth assessment to provide a first mapping / overview of the current mental health and well-being landscape in Chin State, with special focus on gender, including understanding of different vulnerabilities.
Identify specific mental health challenges and community mental health support opportunities within the conflict-affected area.
Develop data collection tools and methodologies tailored to the local context. Identify culturally validated tools for assessing mental health, or adapt existing tools.
Support selection of field team / enumerators, and provide training to the ground team
Ensure data is collected in a systematic and ethical manner.
Analyze the collected data to generate insights and findings on current mental health, well-being, and gender conditions.
Prepare a comprehensive report that includes an assessment of trends, key findings, and recommendations for conflict and post conflict interventions.
Contribute to knowledge sharing within the organisation
Develop clear and actionable recommendations for mental health support at community level and as relevant. Additional outputs can be discussed and agreed upon at a later stage and may include either a policy brief, or a project concept note, or other advocacy / communication outputs.
Attend weekly THM coordination meetings and liaise with relevant researchers, partners or stakeholders when delegated. Follow relevant THM internal approvals process.
Profile
A degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field. [If applying as a team of consultants, one consultant should hold at least an advanced degree, and the other consultant need not hold a degree if they have significant professional hands on experience in the field.]
Experience in conducting public health studies, ideally on mental health related issues, preferably in conflict-affected areas.
Strong knowledge of mental health, well-being, and gender context in conflict settings in South East Asia, preferably Myanmar, ideally Chin State. Understanding, interest, or willingness to learn about the context and resources available to populations in Chin State.
Proven work in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
Excellent report-writing and presentation skills.
Ability to work independently and remotely, in challenging and resource-constrained environments.
Cultural sensitivity, ability to work effectively with diverse communities, and appreciation of the needs for participatory research and de-colonised research and practice approaches.
Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. [If applying as a team we recommend at least one person should be proficient in English, and the other can have working knowledge.]
Knowledge of Chin State’s languages is not required but is a key asset. We strongly encourage Chin State applicants to apply. Knowledge of Burmese is advantageous.
How to Apply:
Please submit your application to hr@thehillsmyanmar.org with the subject line "MH and Gender Research Consultant - [Your Name]."
Interested applicants should submit the following application materials:
A cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant experience, interest in the position, and availability.
A detailed CV of the consultant (or each member of the consultant team).
Contact information for three professional references.
A sample of a previous report, if available.
TheHILLS Myanmar is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage consultants of all backgrounds to apply.